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The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Jan Wright has released the update to her 2012 report, Water quality in New Zealand: Understanding the Science.
The update re-canvases some of the issues the report initially raised and reviews the responses from Government, Parliament, and relevant sector organisations.
Wright says the initial report was designed to shine light into the often heated debate about New Zealand's water quality.
"My intention with this report was to provide a clear and simple guide to the science of water quality so that debate about our waterways was properly informed.
"The report has been largely successful in this respect and is currently being used as a reference by MPs, by journalists, and in schools and at least one university.
"A year and a half on from the release of this report there are still many serious issues with water quality in New Zealand, particularly nutrient pollution, and I'll be releasing a report focused on this matter in the near future."
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
Today marks the first day of operations for Waikato Waters, a new council-controlled organisation established by six district councils to deliver water and wastewater services for their communities.
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A drain is sometimes considered a negative word associated with depletion, exhaustion and loss of resources.
Water management is an integral component of sustainable farming practices, according to Watermetrics.
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The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) says unnecessary changes to New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) will seriously erode investor confidence and result in significant reductions in forest planting rates.
For the first time in a quarter of a century, Federated Farmers has something positive to say about the Labour Party’s climate change policy leading into a general election.
A warning for New Zealand seed and grain companies – be prepared for an exodus of farmers from the arable sector.
Now in its fourth year, the 2026 Fencing Industry Awards, formed part of the proceedings of the FCANZ Conference, held in Nelson during August.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
